It was a bustling day for golfers as the Joburg Ladies Open Pro-Am got underway on Tuesday, 22 March on the lush lawns of the Modderfontein Golf Club northeast of the city.
The greens of the course were lined with eager golfers and stocked caddies, as the four-day tournament teed off in full swing.
The invite only Pro-Am marks the start of the auspicious tournament where professional golfers and amateurs play together. This is a platform to grow women in golf.
Amateur player Bongi Duma said the course was immaculate and she enjoyed herself.
“It’s not my first time playing in the Joburg Ladies Open; it’s always a pleasure to play here. It’s a wonderful experience for ladies to play, and I’m always looking forward to it,” said Duma.
Other golfers were just as eager to show off their skills during the tournament.
Georgia Oboh, a golfer from Nigeria, practised her swing early on Tuesday.
“I feel great being here. It’s my second time playing at the Joburg Ladies Open and it’s been a wonderful experience,” said an elated Oboh.
Karolin Lampert, from Germany, could not contain her excitement about being part of the tournament.
“It’s my first time in Joburg, and I heard that it’s only ladies playing, so that’s exciting. It’s my ninth season of golf, and it’s my first time playing with the Joburg Ladies Open,” Lampert remarked.
Professional golfers conducted a coaching clinic in the afternoon, with some Councillors in attendance to enhance their golfing skills.
Councillor Sarah Wissler, the chairperson of the Section 79 Committee on Governance, said she has played golf on and off for five years and found the coaching clinic valuable.
“It was amazing, and I learned several things. It’s great to see all the ladies here. There are not enough women in sport, and it’s something we must try and work on,” Wissler said.
The Joburg Ladies Open is a professional women’s golf tournament, co-sanctioned for the first time by the Ladies European Tour and the Sunshine Ladies Tour. The tournament officially tees off on Thursday, 24 and ends on Saturday, 26 March. Female golfers have travelled from across the globe to compete in one of the City’s biggest sporting events.
This year marks the 6th year that the municipality is hosting this tournament.
Written by Brümilda Swartbooi and Siphokazi George
22/03/2022